9-year-old shot, killed in apparent accident

CANTON, Ohio - A 9-year-old northeastern Ohio boy was looking at a gun with his teenage cousin when the firearm went off and killed him in an apparent accident.

CANTON, Ohio ó A 9-year-old northeastern Ohio boy was looking at a gun with his teenage cousin when the firearm went off and killed him in an apparent accident.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier said 9-year-old Matthew Schreckengaust of Canton was visiting relatives when he and his 14-year-old cousin examined the gun on Friday evening. They didnít know it was loaded.

Maier said the gun went off in what appeared to be an accidental discharge, and Matthew was killed.

The gun belonged to the older boyís father, but Maier said itís unclear whether the gun had been locked up.

He said deputies are still investigating the shooting and considering charges.

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